01 -
First things first, get that Italian sausage browning in a skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s nicely browned, drain off any excess fat – we want flavor, not grease, you know? Then, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re softened and smell absolutely amazing, about 5-7 minutes. This step, honestly, sets the whole flavor profile for your Crockpot Lasagna Soup, so don't rush it! I always take a deep breath here, the smell is just heavenly.
02 -
Now for the easy part! Transfer your browned sausage, onion, and garlic mixture into your trusty slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, marinara sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together gently. This is where the base of your Crockpot Lasagna Soup really comes together. I usually give it a good stir, making sure all those delicious bits from the skillet are scraped in. Don't forget to season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper here. Taste it, adjust it – it's your soup, after all!
03 -
Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. Let those flavors meld and deepen. This is the beauty of a Crockpot Lasagna Soup; you just set it and forget it! You'll know it's ready when the kitchen smells incredible and the sauce is rich and bubbly. I’ll admit, I peek a few times, just to enjoy the aroma. It's tough to resist!
04 -
About 30-45 minutes before you're ready to serve, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Make sure they're submerged in the liquid so they cook evenly. Re-cover the Crockpot and let them cook until they're tender. This is a crucial step; if you add them too early, they'll turn to mush, and nobody wants gummy lasagna soup! I learned that the hard way, trust me. You want them al dente, with a slight bite.
05 -
Once the noodles are cooked, it's time for the creamy, dreamy part! Stir in the ricotta cheese and cream cheese until they're fully melted and incorporated, making the soup wonderfully rich and velvety. This is where your Crockpot Lasagna Soup transforms into something truly special. The soup might look a little messy at this point, but that's part of its charm. Don't worry if there are a few streaks of white from the ricotta; it'll all come together.
06 -
Ladle the hot Crockpot Lasagna Soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and a dusting of grated Parmesan. If you want, pop the bowls under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden – oh my goodness, it’s worth it! Garnish with fresh parsley. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for! The aroma, the melty cheese, the hearty broth… it's pure comfort in a bowl.